Posted on 08/04/2023 3:21:44 PM PDT by DFG
Just as wildfire season gets underway, homeowners insurance is becoming more and more scarce. Some companies aren't writing any new policies, while others are dropping longtime customers. Among them is an East Bay man who was told he lost his insurance -- based on photos taken by a drone over his property.
It came as a shock. At first, he was told he'd lost his insurance because "drone photos" taken over his property showed hazards in his yard. But the company would not show him the pictures. Later he was told there was no drone, just aerial photos. He felt it intruded on his privacy, with no way to reinstate his policy.
Drones sometimes fly over CJ Sveen's Oakley house. He never thought much of it -- until now.
"Apparently they have some pictures, and they noticed clutter," Sveen said.
Sveen was shocked when he got this notice from his longtime home insurance carrier, California State Automobile Association (CSAA) Insurance Group, a AAA insurer.
"They're going to be terminating our homeowner's insurance policy," Sveen said.
His house isn't in a fire zone, and he's never filed a single claim in 15 years. Instead, the notice said CSAA found "debris, hazardous conditions, tires or a dilapidated car" in his yard.
But how would they know that? No one ever came to inspect. So, Sveen called the company.
"And they said, 'Oh, we sent over a drone.' And like, they have a drone that they sent over my property. Just flew into my yard. So, very shocked, yeah," Sveen said.
(Excerpt) Read more at abc7news.com ...
Or how about a compost heap?
Might I suggest using your shotgun?
Insurance companies have been getting pretty bold in their antics. It started with photos of the outside of the house. Okay, seems reasonable. Then, it moved on to wind mitigation inspections. Okay. Then it became inspections of the INSIDE, requiring updates to the electrical panels, replacement of hot water heaters because they’re 10 years old (even though still functioning fine) and I’m told that some are even requiring roof replacements after a number of years. The only thing threatening some roofs is the skyrocketing premiums.
Just an excuse to drop him. Probably learned his politics didn’t stand up to their policies.
I guess you missed the smiley face indicating sarcasm.
Unless they’ve blurred it out.
I know a guy that collects scrap metal. Some of it goes to the scrap yard, some of it he welds together to make pieces of art. His yard is a mess, but he's out in the country where there's no rule against it, and it's how he makes money. So is his yard "cluttered"? Who decides?
“Well, it might be time to clean up the clutter. Just sayin’”
Or invest in a garage...
“They didn’t need to use a drone. In all likelihood they used Google Maps. “
I’m guessing both...Google Maps gets them started - shows that there’s something worth droning, and then they use the drone for the kill.
The state and the insurance company. Individual rights are eroding day by day. This guy lives in California where there is no expectation of privacy, rights, freedom or ownership. Californians should move.
ROTF.
Guess what assessors in NYS use to see if folks are lowballing property tax assessments.
Bet they do in CA, too.
Is anyone having a cow?
As for not having a proper standoff, no sympathy for the dude.
My bet is the small print in his insurance policy makes it very clear, especially when it comes to defensible space.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=4291.
The law on CA on defensible space.
...in CA...
A personal, directional EMP tool would also be helpful. If there were such a thing.
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